Motion Control

Packaging operations continue to embrace automation as a way to reduce labor costs and workplace injuries while improving the efficiency and quality of packaged goods. But the use of automation isn’t evenly distributed, with large consumer packaged goods producers running with more automation than smaller packaging firms. One area ripe for increased automation are operations…

Cartesian control of UR’s cobots is now available via ROS. Beta testing of this new code is just beginning.

Outer space is unforgiving. This is why precision drives embarking on a trip to other planets need to meet extremely high quality standards. Every Mars drive from maxon is based on a catalog product and is modified for the specific mission. That’s because the DC motors, gearheads, and encoders face brutal conditions during liftoff, the…

Army-funded researchers discovered how to make materials capable of self-propulsion, allowing materials to move without motors or hands. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered how to make materials that snap and reset themselves, only relying upon energy flow from their environment. This research could enable future military robots to move from their own energy. “This…

SICK has released its DBS60I-W, an IP69K-rated incremental encoder with added ingress protection from a new, patented deflector shield. SICK said the encoder can withstand frequent high-pressure chemical washdowns in demanding food and beverage applications, for example. The SICK DBS60I-W washdown encoder delivers the high-resolution performance of SICK’s DBS60 incremental encoder but in a IP69K-rated,…

Yaskawa is tapping Realtime Robotics’ motion planning technology to improve a variety of materials handling and fulfillment applications, including piece picking and mixed case palletizing. Yaskawa said using Realtime’s technology enables its robot cells to be deployed and used more efficiently. The first of these mixed pallet robot cells will soon start being installed at…

The FM060-25-CM is part of a new breed of micro-sized, high-power servo drives, immediately available from RBR50 company Advanced Motion Controls. Rated to output 25-A continuous and 50-A peak, this fully featured digital servo drive is small enough to fit in the tightest locations. It’s well suited for mobile and portable applications, including automated mobile…

maxon Group and Fourier Intelligence today announced they are entering into a global strategic partnership. Fourier Intelligence, a Shanghai-based  startup founded in 2015, will use maxon’s precision drive systems for the development of its rehabilitation robotics systems. Fourier already uses maxon’s BLDC motors in its ExoMotus X2 exoskeleton, a powered lower-limb exoskeleton. maxon will now be…

maxon’s new IDX compact integrated servo gearmotor + drive combines a powerful, brushless EC-i motor and an EPOS4 positioning controller, which can be complemented with a maxon planetary gearhead when required. This integrated motor features high torque density, high efficiency, maintenance-free components, and a high-quality industrial housing providing IP65 protection. The IDX also features configurable…

Researchers are embracing chaos and nonlinear physics to create insectlike gaits for tiny robots — complete with a locomotion controller to provide a brain-machine interface. The group now describes using a system of three nonlinear differential equations as a building block for central pattern generators.

Corindus said new motion automations have received FDA clearance for use in coronary and peripheral robotic-assisted procedures.

Thanks to recent design improvements in hexapod systems, automotive manufacturers requiring extremely high accuracy can reduce set-up and processing time, overall production cycle times, and ultimately the cost of operation.

RE2 Robotics’ latest patent, for a fluid rotary joint, covers a new gear and actuator combination that it said will make it easier for robots to inspect and manipulate objects underwater.

Mirmex Motor said its AI-developed electric motors and flexible circuits can make it easier to design and manufacture devices such as prosthetics and surgical robots.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, said that combining neural networks with motion-planning software will give robots the speed and skill to assist in warehouse environments.

Among the tradeoffs in designing robotic prosthetics is the one between cost and function. Unlimited Tomorrow uses innovative production methods and maxon drives to help children gain function.

Energid Technologies’ Actin software is helping Schilling Robotics’ GEMINI remotely operated underwater vehicle with more sophisticated manipulation.

As robots become more flexible and enter new industries, they need to be as precise as possible. FAULHABER MICROMO said its configurable precision drives are necessary in numerous applications.

Oriental Motor said its AZ Series Compact Driver DC input with cables provides a direct-connection motor for robotics applications.

Scientists at the University of Leeds said their development of magnet-guided, semi-autonomous robotic colonoscopy could make the procedure easier for examiners and less painful for patients.

In this RoboBusiness Direct session, Kollmorgen frameless motor specialist Tom S. Wood will help robotics developers pair motors with Harmonic Drive gearboxes.

Three experts from Harmonic Drive will explain the potential benefits of advanced actuator design for robotics developers in this RoboBusiness Direct keynote.